SDES was founded in 1949 by Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Eichold in Mobile, AL and was originally known as Camp Seale Harris. Since 1949, Camp Seale Harris has provided a medically supervised, fun camp experience for thousands of youth with diabetes. Camp Seale Harris is the primary program of SDES and began as an innovative way to teach healthy behaviors outside of the doctor’s office or hospital setting. Named for renowned endocrinologist, Dr. Seale Harris, Camp Seale Harris became a time-tested standard of care for children and teens with diabetes. Camp Seale Harris overnight, day, and family camps are now year-round programs provided in twelve camp sessions in nine locations in Alabama and Northwest Florida, serving attendees from throughout the Southeast. Local Community Family Education and Support programs began in 2006 and now include activities in: Auburn/Opelika/East Alabama, Birmingham, Cullman, Dothan/Southeast Alabama, Huntsville/North Alabama, Mobile/Southwest Alabama, Montgomery/River Region, and Pensacola/Northwest Florida.

SDES is the only charitable organization in Alabama and Northwest Florida whose primary purpose is to provide direct residential, day, and local programs and services that educate, encourage, and empower children with diabetes and their families.

SDES is an independent 501(C)(3) non-profit and does not provide or receive funding from JDRF, ADA, or other advocacy or political causes. Caring individuals, civic groups, businesses, and foundations help ensure children with diabetes receive services each year.